Man convicted of cruelty to dogs

A PENGUIN man has been convicted for failing to appropriately feed, water and manage three dogs and failing to vet or appropriately treat one dog.

In the Devonport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Daniel John Wynwood, 27, pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 56 hours of community service, given a two-year ban on custody of all animals and was ordered to reimburse the RSPCA for costs incurred.

RSPCA Tasmania chief inspector Paul McGinty said one of the dogs had a severe ear infection.

Mr McGinty said two of the dogs were rehomed, while one was humanely euthanased.

Mr McGinty said the dogs were underfed, dehydrated and living in substandard conditions.

"There were concerns over the living conditions as far as urine and faeces were concerned," Mr McGinty said.

"There was a high level of faeces inside the house to which the dogs were contained."

Mr McGinty said the case was one of 42 prosecuted by the RSPCA in the 2013-2014 financial year.

RSCPA Tasmania general manager Peter West said he had received feedback that the sentence was not harsh enough, but refused to debate the length of the sentence.

"We certainly are getting feedback from a number of areas that more could be done in this area and fines could be stronger," he said.

"We leave that side of it [handing down sentences] to the judiciary."

Mr West said the RSPCA fielded more than 3000 calls in relation to animal welfare each year.

n If you are concerned about the welfare of an animal call the RSPCA's 24-hour hotline: 1300139947

SAD OUTCOME: The dog after it recovered physically. It was put down because of behaviour problems.